Oil companies operating in the Niger Delta region have been advised to ensure harmonious relationship with their host communities.

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, gave this advice yesterday when he paid a courtesy visit on the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, HRM Anthony Ogbogbo.

According to the Governor, “I believe that the Federal Government is becoming responsive to issues relating to oil exploration activities on the host communities and the oil companies should relate harmoniously with their host communities for peace to reign.”

He stated that his administration would not condone any action which will lead to breach of peace or will affect oil exploration activities in the state, assuring that operators of OML 30 in the state would be reached to ensure that they work peacefully with the Ozoro Kingdom.

The Ovie of Ozoro had said there would be dispute with operators of OML 30 if the company fails to respect provisions of the local content law in their operations.

The Governor who told the Ovie that he was in Ozoro for commissioning and inspection of projects as part of activities lined up to mark his second year anniversary in office, reiterated that “any oil company that is not relating well with their host communities will be called to order.”

Senator Okowa used the occasion to call on Deltans especially, residents of Isoko North and South Local Government Areas to come out en masse on Friday, May 12, for the finals of the Delta State Sports Festival.

“The 12th of May which is Friday, is the finals of the sports festival and it will be held at the Delta State Polytechnic stadium, Ozoro; I invite you, your chiefs, all your subjects and all Deltans to attend the ceremony,” he said.

Also yesterday in Ozoro, Okowa urged Nigerians to go for regular health check to enable them identify early signs of health issues. He made the call while flagging off free eye screening, tests, glasses and surgery in a ceremony that was the second phase of its kind sponsored by the administration of Hon. Emmanuel Egbabor, Chairman, Isoko North Local Government Council.

According to the Governor, “This screening exercise is a wake-up call for a genuine need for us to go for health check regularly.”

“Most people die gradually because they don’t see the need to go for health check,” the Governor said. He advised local government councils in the state to emulate what was done in Isoko North by partnering with stakeholders to improve on the health status of their indigenes.

“I believe that with partnership with the right people, we can do more,” Okowa said.

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